John R Sylliboy | McGill University (original) (raw)
Papers by John R Sylliboy
The Canadian Journal of Native Studies, 2024
L'nu (Mi'kmaw) children's cultural education is often merged with or overridden by westernized me... more L'nu (Mi'kmaw) children's cultural education is often merged with or overridden by westernized methods of teaching, learning, and assessment in Canada's school systems. An Etuaptmumk/ Two-Eyed Seeing (E/TES) approach from an Indigenous, and in particular a Mi'kmaq, worldview honours traditional knowledge and teaching while recognizing that we work and learn in systems that originate from westernized points of view. E/TES allows alternate ways of knowing and being in the world through a co-learning process that brings Indigenous worldview and western perspectives together. The education and health outcomes of L'nu children are often not on par with those of non-L'nu children, perhaps suggesting that westernized assessments inaccurately capture education and health markers without cultural context. From the view of two L'nu educators, this paper aims to shed light on the experiences of L'nu children as they enter the education system in their early years and offers a differing perspective for viewing development, school readiness, and assessment.
Indigenous community engagement requirements for academic journals, 2024
This commentary emerged from a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-I... more This commentary emerged from a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, which includes some of the co-authors of this article. It also builds on discussions that took place at an Indigenous research ethics and governance symposium held in 2019 in Labrador Canada, called the Naalak Gathering. These discussions, as well as the scoping review, highlighted a lack of information and emphasis regarding whether and how community engagement was carried out and reported in the context of published Indigenous health research in the Atlantic region of Canada. This commentary builds on this work as well as other published works that emphasize the need to further ensure that Indigenous research is community based if not community led. Moreover, this commentary lends support to important changes to journal submission requirements regarding Indigenous health research submissions recently made at the Canadian Journal of Public Health (CJPH) through the work of Senior Editor Dr Janet Smylie and colleagues. This is the first academic journal, to date, in Canada to create such a policy (Canadian Public Health Association, 2020): Empowerment and benefits must become central features of any research entertained and conducted with respect to Indigenous Peoples. (Ermine et al., 2007, p. 7) Despite its challenges and potential for harm, research, if done ethically and with respect and partnership, can be a force for change and will strengthen the efficacy of data on Indigenous Peoples' health and wellbeing.
Alternative, Mar 1, 2024
This commentary emerged from a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-I... more This commentary emerged from a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, which includes some of the co-authors of this article. It also builds on discussions that took place at an Indigenous research ethics and governance symposium held in 2019 in Labrador Canada, called the Naalak Gathering. These discussions, as well as the scoping review, highlighted a lack of information and emphasis regarding whether and how community engagement was carried out and reported in the context of published Indigenous health research in the Atlantic region of Canada. This commentary builds on this work as well as other published works that emphasize the need to further ensure that Indigenous research is community based if not community led. Moreover, this commentary lends support to important changes to journal submission requirements regarding Indigenous health research submissions recently made at the Canadian Journal of Public Health (CJPH) through the work of Senior Editor Dr Janet Smylie and colleagues. This is the first academic journal, to date, in Canada to create such a policy (Canadian Public Health Association, 2020): Empowerment and benefits must become central features of any research entertained and conducted with respect to Indigenous Peoples. (Ermine et al., 2007, p. 7) Despite its challenges and potential for harm, research, if done ethically and with respect and partnership, can be a force for change and will strengthen the efficacy of data on Indigenous Peoples' health and wellbeing.
Alternative, Mar 1, 2024
This commentary emerged from a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-I... more This commentary emerged from a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, which includes some of the co-authors of this article. It also builds on discussions that took place at an Indigenous research ethics and governance symposium held in 2019 in Labrador Canada, called the Naalak Gathering. These discussions, as well as the scoping review, highlighted a lack of information and emphasis regarding whether and how community engagement was carried out and reported in the context of published Indigenous health research in the Atlantic region of Canada. This commentary builds on this work as well as other published works that emphasize the need to further ensure that Indigenous research is community based if not community led. Moreover, this commentary lends support to important changes to journal submission requirements regarding Indigenous health research submissions recently made at the Canadian Journal of Public Health (CJPH) through the work of Senior Editor Dr Janet Smylie and colleagues. This is the first academic journal, to date, in Canada to create such a policy (Canadian Public Health Association, 2020): Empowerment and benefits must become central features of any research entertained and conducted with respect to Indigenous Peoples. (Ermine et al., 2007, p. 7) Despite its challenges and potential for harm, research, if done ethically and with respect and partnership, can be a force for change and will strengthen the efficacy of data on Indigenous Peoples' health and wellbeing.
Global Public Health, Oct 28, 2021
In two co-related studies about Two-spirit people in Atlantic Canada, the coming out stories shar... more In two co-related studies about Two-spirit people in Atlantic Canada, the coming out stories share critical cultural perspectives about gender identity and sexuality from a L'nuwey (Mi'kmaw) perspective. This qualitative research implemented Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing, a co-learning methodology using Indigenous and western perspectives for data collection and analysis. The findings surface stories about resiliency among Two-spirit people who face distress and anxiety, with supports mainly coming from family and community. According to their narratives, coming out is part of their cultural awakening process. The paper shares that Two-spirited people come out in intervals or phases, especially trans people. Sexuality and gender identity development are in flux until they reach a balanced and spiritual state. The Two-spirit identity process is non-linear that may evolve in a life cycle. The study captures the ongoing resurgence of regional Indigenous perspectives of gender identity and sexuality. The narratives share the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual states of Two-spirit people during their coming out process. The stories are a source of hope and empowerment for the Two-spirit community relating to gender and sexuality. This study is the only current community-based evidence about coming out experiences of Two-spirit people in Atlantic Canada.
Canadian Medical Association Journal, Jan 19, 2020
This article was solicited and has been peer reviewed. Consent was received from the parents of t... more This article was solicited and has been peer reviewed. Consent was received from the parents of the children depicted in the photo.
International Journal of Indigenous Health
The Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance (W2SA), a regional Two-Spirit organization, administered an onli... more The Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance (W2SA), a regional Two-Spirit organization, administered an online survey in May of 2020 to identify priorities and concerns of Two-Spirit (2S) individuals and Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Atlantic Canada during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The respondents (n=149) shared health concerns including deterioration(s) of mental health (56.32%) and described mental health supports (68.42%), health supports for Two-Spirit individuals (57.89%), healing gatherings (46.05%) and trans-specific supports (44.74%) as critical interventions in fostering Two-Spirit health. The Alliance’s immediate response was to develop community-led responses to address urgent concerns. Our key promising practice has been hosting Two-Spirit gatherings as community-based health/cultural supports; the gatherings also serve as an opportunity for the Alliance to consult the Two-Spirit community about priorities and concerns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alliance...
International Journal of Indigenous Health , 2022
The Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance, a regional Two-Spirit organization, administered an online surv... more The Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance, a regional Two-Spirit organization, administered an online survey in May of 2020 to identify Two-Spirit priorities and concerns of Two-Spirit individuals and Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Atlantic Canada during the novel Indigenous health coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The respondents (n = 149) Community-led solutions shared health concerns including deterioration(s) of mental health Wabanaki (56.32%). They described mental health supports (68.42%), health supports for Two-Spirit individuals (57.89%), healing gatherings (46.05%) and trans-specific supports (44.74%) as interventions in fostering Two-Spirit health. The Alliance's immediate response was to develop community-led responses to address urgent concerns. Our key promising practice has been hosting Two-Spirit gatherings as community-based health/cultural supports; the gatherings also serve as an opportunity for the Alliance to consult the Two-Spirit community about priorities and concerns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alliance explored ways to keep the Two-Spirit community united by maintaining social support(s). We designed a survey that provided essential feedback, resulting in the Alliance shifting priorities toward developing methods of bringing Two-Spirit people together safely by virtual means; seeking sustainable resources to address emerging health concerns; and increasing the Alliance's capacity development.
Antistatsis: An Open Educational Journal , 2019
Canadian Medical Association Journal , 2020
This article was solicited and has been peer reviewed. Consent was received from the parents of t... more This article was solicited and has been peer reviewed. Consent was received from the parents of the children depicted in the photo.
International Journal of Circumpolar Health , 2021
Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing (E/TES) is foundational in ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing... more Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing (E/TES) is foundational in ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing are respected, honoured, and acknowledged in health research practices with Indigenous Peoples of Canada. This paper will outline new knowledge gleaned from the Canadian Institute of Health Research and Chronic Pain Network funded Aboriginal Children's Hurt & Healing (ACHH) Initiative that embraces E/TES for respectful research. We share the ACHH exemplar to show how Indigenous community partners take the lead to address their health priorities by integrating cultural values of kinship and interconnectedness as essential components to enhance the process of community-led research. E/TES is conceptualised into eight essential considerations to know in conducting Indigenous health research shared from a L'nuwey (Mi'kmaw) perspective. L'nu knowledge underscores the importance of working from an Indigenous perspective or specifically from a L'nuwey perspective. L'nuwey perspectives are a strength of E/TES. The ACHH Initiative grew from one community and evolved into collective community knowledge about pain perspectives and the process of understanding communityled practices, health perspectives, and research protocols that can only be understood through the Two-Eyed Seeing approach.
Social science & medicine, 2021
INTRODUCTION Indigenous communities across Canada report that transformations in Indigenous healt... more INTRODUCTION Indigenous communities across Canada report that transformations in Indigenous health research are needed, where the benefits of research shift intentionally, collaboratively, and with transparency from the researchers directly to Indigenous communities and partners. Despite its challenges and potential for harm, research, if done ethically and with respect and partnership, can be a force for change and will strengthen the efficacy of data on Indigenous Peoples' health and wellbeing. PURPOSE To characterize the nature, range, and extent of Indigenous health research in Atlantic Canada, and to identify gaps. METHODS Eleven databases were searched using English-language keywords that signify Indigeneity, geographic regions, health, and Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada between 2001 and May 2020. All references were reviewed independently by two reviewers. Of the 9056 articles identified, 211 articles were retained for inclusion. Data were extracted using a col...
International Journal of Circumpolar Health
Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing (E/TES) is foundational in ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing... more Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing (E/TES) is foundational in ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing are respected, honoured, and acknowledged in health research practices with Indigenous Peoples of Canada. This paper will outline new knowledge gleaned from the Canadian Institute of Health Research and Chronic Pain Network funded Aboriginal Children's Hurt & Healing (ACHH) Initiative that embraces E/TES for respectful research. We share the ACHH exemplar to show how Indigenous community partners take the lead to address their health priorities by integrating cultural values of kinship and interconnectedness as essential components to enhance the process of community-led research. E/TES is conceptualised into eight essential considerations to know in conducting Indigenous health research shared from a L'nuwey (Mi'kmaw) perspective. L'nu knowledge underscores the importance of working from an Indigenous perspective or specifically from a L'nuwey perspective. L'nuwey perspectives are a strength of E/TES. The ACHH Initiative grew from one community and evolved into collective community knowledge about pain perspectives and the process of understanding communityled practices, health perspectives, and research protocols that can only be understood through the Two-Eyed Seeing approach.
Canadian Medical Association Journal
This article was solicited and has been peer reviewed. Consent was received from the parents of t... more This article was solicited and has been peer reviewed. Consent was received from the parents of the children depicted in the photo.
Introduction Participatory research involving community engagement is considered the gold standar... more Introduction Participatory research involving community engagement is considered the gold standard in Indigenous health research. However, it is sometimes unclear whether and how Indigenous communities are engaged in research that impacts them, and whether and how engagement is reported. Indigenous health research varies in its degree of community engagement from minimal involvement to being community-directed and led. Research led and directed by Indigenous communities can support reconciliation and reclamation in Canada and globally, however clearer reporting and understandings of community-led research is needed. This scoping review assesses (a) how and to what extent researchers are reporting community engagement in Indigenous health research in Atlantic Canada, and (b) what recommendations exist in the literature regarding participatory and community-led research. Methods Eleven databases were searched using keywords for Indigeneity, geographic regions, health, and Indigenous c...
The term two-spirit is a social marker used by Indigenous people who are LGBTQ in North America. ... more The term two-spirit is a social marker used by Indigenous people who are LGBTQ in North America. The term gives a sense of unity among Indigenous people because of its commonality in socio-cultural, historical and spiritual contexts about their gender, sexuality and identity in general. In Nova Scotia, the term is common in mainstream and its use is becoming more accepted in our Mi’kmaw communities. In an era of Truth and Reconciliation and the everincreasing movements of self-determination and decolonization of systemic homophobia and heterosexism, our Mi’kmaw youth question how the concept of two-spirit is interpreted within our culture. Findings show that there is no documented evidence of ancestral knowledge, teachings, or ceremonies with what we now know as two-spirit identity, before the arrival of Europeans in Mi’kma’ki. Cultural and academic interest to research two-spirit identity and how it relates to Mi’kmaw culture is important especially for Mi’kmaw youth who are barrag...
The Canadian Journal of Native Studies, 2024
L'nu (Mi'kmaw) children's cultural education is often merged with or overridden by westernized me... more L'nu (Mi'kmaw) children's cultural education is often merged with or overridden by westernized methods of teaching, learning, and assessment in Canada's school systems. An Etuaptmumk/ Two-Eyed Seeing (E/TES) approach from an Indigenous, and in particular a Mi'kmaq, worldview honours traditional knowledge and teaching while recognizing that we work and learn in systems that originate from westernized points of view. E/TES allows alternate ways of knowing and being in the world through a co-learning process that brings Indigenous worldview and western perspectives together. The education and health outcomes of L'nu children are often not on par with those of non-L'nu children, perhaps suggesting that westernized assessments inaccurately capture education and health markers without cultural context. From the view of two L'nu educators, this paper aims to shed light on the experiences of L'nu children as they enter the education system in their early years and offers a differing perspective for viewing development, school readiness, and assessment.
Indigenous community engagement requirements for academic journals, 2024
This commentary emerged from a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-I... more This commentary emerged from a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, which includes some of the co-authors of this article. It also builds on discussions that took place at an Indigenous research ethics and governance symposium held in 2019 in Labrador Canada, called the Naalak Gathering. These discussions, as well as the scoping review, highlighted a lack of information and emphasis regarding whether and how community engagement was carried out and reported in the context of published Indigenous health research in the Atlantic region of Canada. This commentary builds on this work as well as other published works that emphasize the need to further ensure that Indigenous research is community based if not community led. Moreover, this commentary lends support to important changes to journal submission requirements regarding Indigenous health research submissions recently made at the Canadian Journal of Public Health (CJPH) through the work of Senior Editor Dr Janet Smylie and colleagues. This is the first academic journal, to date, in Canada to create such a policy (Canadian Public Health Association, 2020): Empowerment and benefits must become central features of any research entertained and conducted with respect to Indigenous Peoples. (Ermine et al., 2007, p. 7) Despite its challenges and potential for harm, research, if done ethically and with respect and partnership, can be a force for change and will strengthen the efficacy of data on Indigenous Peoples' health and wellbeing.
Alternative, Mar 1, 2024
This commentary emerged from a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-I... more This commentary emerged from a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, which includes some of the co-authors of this article. It also builds on discussions that took place at an Indigenous research ethics and governance symposium held in 2019 in Labrador Canada, called the Naalak Gathering. These discussions, as well as the scoping review, highlighted a lack of information and emphasis regarding whether and how community engagement was carried out and reported in the context of published Indigenous health research in the Atlantic region of Canada. This commentary builds on this work as well as other published works that emphasize the need to further ensure that Indigenous research is community based if not community led. Moreover, this commentary lends support to important changes to journal submission requirements regarding Indigenous health research submissions recently made at the Canadian Journal of Public Health (CJPH) through the work of Senior Editor Dr Janet Smylie and colleagues. This is the first academic journal, to date, in Canada to create such a policy (Canadian Public Health Association, 2020): Empowerment and benefits must become central features of any research entertained and conducted with respect to Indigenous Peoples. (Ermine et al., 2007, p. 7) Despite its challenges and potential for harm, research, if done ethically and with respect and partnership, can be a force for change and will strengthen the efficacy of data on Indigenous Peoples' health and wellbeing.
Alternative, Mar 1, 2024
This commentary emerged from a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-I... more This commentary emerged from a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, which includes some of the co-authors of this article. It also builds on discussions that took place at an Indigenous research ethics and governance symposium held in 2019 in Labrador Canada, called the Naalak Gathering. These discussions, as well as the scoping review, highlighted a lack of information and emphasis regarding whether and how community engagement was carried out and reported in the context of published Indigenous health research in the Atlantic region of Canada. This commentary builds on this work as well as other published works that emphasize the need to further ensure that Indigenous research is community based if not community led. Moreover, this commentary lends support to important changes to journal submission requirements regarding Indigenous health research submissions recently made at the Canadian Journal of Public Health (CJPH) through the work of Senior Editor Dr Janet Smylie and colleagues. This is the first academic journal, to date, in Canada to create such a policy (Canadian Public Health Association, 2020): Empowerment and benefits must become central features of any research entertained and conducted with respect to Indigenous Peoples. (Ermine et al., 2007, p. 7) Despite its challenges and potential for harm, research, if done ethically and with respect and partnership, can be a force for change and will strengthen the efficacy of data on Indigenous Peoples' health and wellbeing.
Global Public Health, Oct 28, 2021
In two co-related studies about Two-spirit people in Atlantic Canada, the coming out stories shar... more In two co-related studies about Two-spirit people in Atlantic Canada, the coming out stories share critical cultural perspectives about gender identity and sexuality from a L'nuwey (Mi'kmaw) perspective. This qualitative research implemented Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing, a co-learning methodology using Indigenous and western perspectives for data collection and analysis. The findings surface stories about resiliency among Two-spirit people who face distress and anxiety, with supports mainly coming from family and community. According to their narratives, coming out is part of their cultural awakening process. The paper shares that Two-spirited people come out in intervals or phases, especially trans people. Sexuality and gender identity development are in flux until they reach a balanced and spiritual state. The Two-spirit identity process is non-linear that may evolve in a life cycle. The study captures the ongoing resurgence of regional Indigenous perspectives of gender identity and sexuality. The narratives share the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual states of Two-spirit people during their coming out process. The stories are a source of hope and empowerment for the Two-spirit community relating to gender and sexuality. This study is the only current community-based evidence about coming out experiences of Two-spirit people in Atlantic Canada.
Canadian Medical Association Journal, Jan 19, 2020
This article was solicited and has been peer reviewed. Consent was received from the parents of t... more This article was solicited and has been peer reviewed. Consent was received from the parents of the children depicted in the photo.
International Journal of Indigenous Health
The Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance (W2SA), a regional Two-Spirit organization, administered an onli... more The Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance (W2SA), a regional Two-Spirit organization, administered an online survey in May of 2020 to identify priorities and concerns of Two-Spirit (2S) individuals and Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Atlantic Canada during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The respondents (n=149) shared health concerns including deterioration(s) of mental health (56.32%) and described mental health supports (68.42%), health supports for Two-Spirit individuals (57.89%), healing gatherings (46.05%) and trans-specific supports (44.74%) as critical interventions in fostering Two-Spirit health. The Alliance’s immediate response was to develop community-led responses to address urgent concerns. Our key promising practice has been hosting Two-Spirit gatherings as community-based health/cultural supports; the gatherings also serve as an opportunity for the Alliance to consult the Two-Spirit community about priorities and concerns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alliance...
International Journal of Indigenous Health , 2022
The Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance, a regional Two-Spirit organization, administered an online surv... more The Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance, a regional Two-Spirit organization, administered an online survey in May of 2020 to identify Two-Spirit priorities and concerns of Two-Spirit individuals and Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Atlantic Canada during the novel Indigenous health coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The respondents (n = 149) Community-led solutions shared health concerns including deterioration(s) of mental health Wabanaki (56.32%). They described mental health supports (68.42%), health supports for Two-Spirit individuals (57.89%), healing gatherings (46.05%) and trans-specific supports (44.74%) as interventions in fostering Two-Spirit health. The Alliance's immediate response was to develop community-led responses to address urgent concerns. Our key promising practice has been hosting Two-Spirit gatherings as community-based health/cultural supports; the gatherings also serve as an opportunity for the Alliance to consult the Two-Spirit community about priorities and concerns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alliance explored ways to keep the Two-Spirit community united by maintaining social support(s). We designed a survey that provided essential feedback, resulting in the Alliance shifting priorities toward developing methods of bringing Two-Spirit people together safely by virtual means; seeking sustainable resources to address emerging health concerns; and increasing the Alliance's capacity development.
Antistatsis: An Open Educational Journal , 2019
Canadian Medical Association Journal , 2020
This article was solicited and has been peer reviewed. Consent was received from the parents of t... more This article was solicited and has been peer reviewed. Consent was received from the parents of the children depicted in the photo.
International Journal of Circumpolar Health , 2021
Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing (E/TES) is foundational in ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing... more Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing (E/TES) is foundational in ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing are respected, honoured, and acknowledged in health research practices with Indigenous Peoples of Canada. This paper will outline new knowledge gleaned from the Canadian Institute of Health Research and Chronic Pain Network funded Aboriginal Children's Hurt & Healing (ACHH) Initiative that embraces E/TES for respectful research. We share the ACHH exemplar to show how Indigenous community partners take the lead to address their health priorities by integrating cultural values of kinship and interconnectedness as essential components to enhance the process of community-led research. E/TES is conceptualised into eight essential considerations to know in conducting Indigenous health research shared from a L'nuwey (Mi'kmaw) perspective. L'nu knowledge underscores the importance of working from an Indigenous perspective or specifically from a L'nuwey perspective. L'nuwey perspectives are a strength of E/TES. The ACHH Initiative grew from one community and evolved into collective community knowledge about pain perspectives and the process of understanding communityled practices, health perspectives, and research protocols that can only be understood through the Two-Eyed Seeing approach.
Social science & medicine, 2021
INTRODUCTION Indigenous communities across Canada report that transformations in Indigenous healt... more INTRODUCTION Indigenous communities across Canada report that transformations in Indigenous health research are needed, where the benefits of research shift intentionally, collaboratively, and with transparency from the researchers directly to Indigenous communities and partners. Despite its challenges and potential for harm, research, if done ethically and with respect and partnership, can be a force for change and will strengthen the efficacy of data on Indigenous Peoples' health and wellbeing. PURPOSE To characterize the nature, range, and extent of Indigenous health research in Atlantic Canada, and to identify gaps. METHODS Eleven databases were searched using English-language keywords that signify Indigeneity, geographic regions, health, and Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada between 2001 and May 2020. All references were reviewed independently by two reviewers. Of the 9056 articles identified, 211 articles were retained for inclusion. Data were extracted using a col...
International Journal of Circumpolar Health
Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing (E/TES) is foundational in ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing... more Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing (E/TES) is foundational in ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing are respected, honoured, and acknowledged in health research practices with Indigenous Peoples of Canada. This paper will outline new knowledge gleaned from the Canadian Institute of Health Research and Chronic Pain Network funded Aboriginal Children's Hurt & Healing (ACHH) Initiative that embraces E/TES for respectful research. We share the ACHH exemplar to show how Indigenous community partners take the lead to address their health priorities by integrating cultural values of kinship and interconnectedness as essential components to enhance the process of community-led research. E/TES is conceptualised into eight essential considerations to know in conducting Indigenous health research shared from a L'nuwey (Mi'kmaw) perspective. L'nu knowledge underscores the importance of working from an Indigenous perspective or specifically from a L'nuwey perspective. L'nuwey perspectives are a strength of E/TES. The ACHH Initiative grew from one community and evolved into collective community knowledge about pain perspectives and the process of understanding communityled practices, health perspectives, and research protocols that can only be understood through the Two-Eyed Seeing approach.
Canadian Medical Association Journal
This article was solicited and has been peer reviewed. Consent was received from the parents of t... more This article was solicited and has been peer reviewed. Consent was received from the parents of the children depicted in the photo.
Introduction Participatory research involving community engagement is considered the gold standar... more Introduction Participatory research involving community engagement is considered the gold standard in Indigenous health research. However, it is sometimes unclear whether and how Indigenous communities are engaged in research that impacts them, and whether and how engagement is reported. Indigenous health research varies in its degree of community engagement from minimal involvement to being community-directed and led. Research led and directed by Indigenous communities can support reconciliation and reclamation in Canada and globally, however clearer reporting and understandings of community-led research is needed. This scoping review assesses (a) how and to what extent researchers are reporting community engagement in Indigenous health research in Atlantic Canada, and (b) what recommendations exist in the literature regarding participatory and community-led research. Methods Eleven databases were searched using keywords for Indigeneity, geographic regions, health, and Indigenous c...
The term two-spirit is a social marker used by Indigenous people who are LGBTQ in North America. ... more The term two-spirit is a social marker used by Indigenous people who are LGBTQ in North America. The term gives a sense of unity among Indigenous people because of its commonality in socio-cultural, historical and spiritual contexts about their gender, sexuality and identity in general. In Nova Scotia, the term is common in mainstream and its use is becoming more accepted in our Mi’kmaw communities. In an era of Truth and Reconciliation and the everincreasing movements of self-determination and decolonization of systemic homophobia and heterosexism, our Mi’kmaw youth question how the concept of two-spirit is interpreted within our culture. Findings show that there is no documented evidence of ancestral knowledge, teachings, or ceremonies with what we now know as two-spirit identity, before the arrival of Europeans in Mi’kma’ki. Cultural and academic interest to research two-spirit identity and how it relates to Mi’kmaw culture is important especially for Mi’kmaw youth who are barrag...